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It looks like my son may be playing in the Florida league next summer.  He was very fortunate last summer to play near home before he started college.  So this will be his first summer where he needs some kind of housing.  For those of you who's boys have done this, how does it work?  He is living in an apartment now, so its not so much his 'being on his own", as not knowing what to expect.  

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Son has done it the last 2 years and is looking forward to it again this summer. He has been to Canada, Kansas, and will be in North Carolina next summer.

The team will set it up for you.  I've heard great things, and I've heard horror stories. 

Great things usually come from great organizations, and the bad things usually come from those orgs that struggle.  Not to hard to figure it out, but it makes summer more fun with a good host family. 

Year 1 he had a couple of teammates with him and had a wonderful lady who cooked for them every evening and let them ride 4 wheelers, hunt, etc on their farm.  Last year he had a wonderful family and while they didn't cook much for him they gave him food gift cards galore, and he became close with their 3 year old twins.

At both places he had rules (curfew, expectations, etc) that were set by the organization. Both coaches stressed that you were representing yourself, your parents, your school, your college coach, the summer team, and the summer coach----so don't mess it up.

He is still in contact with both families.

Last edited by russinfortworth

Son had two teammates that were in NY somewhere....saw some video.  The host family had a trout stream (yep, like the ones I've only seen in movies) running right behind their house....and by "right behind their house" I mean you could fish off of the deck....and if you wanted to you could step off the deck right into the water.  It was the most amazing looking place I've ever seen.  Tried to convince my son to play there this year and try to get that family just so I could visit

Last edited by Buckeye 2015
Buckeye 2015 posted:

Son had two teammates that were in NY somewhere....saw some video.  The host family had a trout stream (yep, like the ones I've only seen in movies) running right behind their house....and by "right behind their house" I mean you could fish off of the deck....and if you wanted to you could step off the deck right into the water.  It was the most amazing looking place I've ever seen.  Tried to convince my son to play there this year and try to get that family just so I could visit

Over thanksgiving I tried my tail off to get my son to ask his coach for Alaska league !  Would love to spend a couple weeks in Alaska watching baseball and fishing for salmon!

he wasn't convinced.  oh well.

 

pabaseballdad posted:
Buckeye 2015 posted:

Son had two teammates that were in NY somewhere....saw some video.  The host family had a trout stream (yep, like the ones I've only seen in movies) running right behind their house....and by "right behind their house" I mean you could fish off of the deck....and if you wanted to you could step off the deck right into the water.  It was the most amazing looking place I've ever seen.  Tried to convince my son to play there this year and try to get that family just so I could visit

Over thanksgiving I tried my tail off to get my son to ask his coach for Alaska league !  Would love to spend a couple weeks in Alaska watching baseball and fishing for salmon!

he wasn't convinced.  oh well.

 

Lol....Alaska...are you kidding me, that would be great.  Unfortunately for me, son is playing 20 minutes from home for the 3rd straight summer.  I'll get to see a lot of games, but 20 minutes away isn't much of a vacation

Son spent last summer in PAC NW. talk about a great place to spend the summer when you are from TX. During my visit I was actually cold a few nights. Great break from the heat. 

He was solo at his host family’s home.  He talks to them almost every week.  He is hoping for a Cape opportunity but if not he will go back to the same team he enjoyed it so much. 

Son was in the Cape last summer and played for Hyannis. The host family and room mate was set up already via the Cape family "coordinator". I think we were on the hook for $800 if he stayed all summer. If not, you get a refund. Some families paid up front and others paid as they got there. Turns out he was there a weeks and a half and got called up for Team USA CNT. He drove from Atlanta to Hyannis and had to leave his car in the Cape in case he didn't make USA. They said it was okay to do that. As he made all the USA cuts, they were super awesome and even held onto his car until he finished up with USA. The dad actually drove it around the block a few times over that period so the battery wouldn't die. 

Shoveit4Ks posted:

Son was in the Cape last summer and played for Hyannis. The host family and room mate was set up already via the Cape family "coordinator". I think we were on the hook for $800 if he stayed all summer. If not, you get a refund. Some families paid up front and others paid as they got there. Turns out he was there a weeks and a half and got called up for Team USA CNT. He drove from Atlanta to Hyannis and had to leave his car in the Cape in case he didn't make USA. They said it was okay to do that. As he made all the USA cuts, they were super awesome and even held onto his car until he finished up with USA. The dad actually drove it around the block a few times over that period so the battery wouldn't die. 

Really cool, Shove... question though... I thought the top tier summer leagues were cheaper than that for the players?

Shoveit4Ks posted:

I checked the Cape contract and it was $800. Not sure about other leagues etc.

Son played in the Northwoods League (La Crosse Loggers) two summers ago.  The team sets you up with a host family (free) and I think we paid ~$275 basically for the uniform.  A LHP from his school was his roommate.  The NWL is "for profit", which means means that attendees pay to watch (parents got in free if son puts you on the list), which is unlike the Cape where the games are free.   The stadium and concessions were great and La Crosse just did a huge update to their facilities (Univ Wisconsin La Crosse plays on the field, which is a rather new arrangement).  HUGE attendance (like 3500+ per game).  Son didn't get many meals from his host family (I think they were a one-and-done host family), but he could eat all he wanted for free at the local Dairy Queen.  The players would go there between hitting rotations for smoothies .  We gave him money for food and he did cook some, mostly breakfasts.   Dinner was provided to the team from local restaurants, including the away games. 

Games are on TV by subscription, which was fun to watch every night.  We did visit and saw 7 games in 3 different cities.

Many have said the NWL is most like the minor leagues.  Son loved every minute of it and made great friends.

Here is a great host family horror story for you.  My son was in the West Coast League to start the summer this year.  He and 3 other player ended up with a host family that was VEGAN!  Although they lived in a guest house, the would not let the players have any meat or dairy products in the house.  These are 4 college athletes, of which 3 were over 6'2" 200 lbs.  Needless to say, it was costing me a fortune for him to go out to eat 3 times a day when they were home.  They also would not allow the boys to kill and bugs, insects etc.  They had a crazy list of 30 "house rules" that I would not impose on a prisoner let alone a college kid. Team could not relocate the players, so 1/2 way through the year he left. 

He ended up in Alaska which he absolutely loved.  His house family experience was great,  they fed them well and being in Alaska the boys would literally walk outside, catch a Salmon and the family would cook it up.  They took them on sight seeing tours on their off days and had a car for them to use. 

Suds posted:

Here is a great host family horror story for you.  My son was in the West Coast League to start the summer this year.  He and 3 other player ended up with a host family that was VEGAN!  Although they lived in a guest house, the would not let the players have any meat or dairy products in the house.  These are 4 college athletes, of which 3 were over 6'2" 200 lbs.  Needless to say, it was costing me a fortune for him to go out to eat 3 times a day when they were home.  They also would not allow the boys to kill and bugs, insects etc.  They had a crazy list of 30 "house rules" that I would not impose on a prisoner let alone a college kid. Team could not relocate the players, so 1/2 way through the year he left. 

He ended up in Alaska which he absolutely loved.  His house family experience was great,  they fed them well and being in Alaska the boys would literally walk outside, catch a Salmon and the family would cook it up.  They took them on sight seeing tours on their off days and had a car for them to use. 

In a case like this, could the boys have moved out and stayed with the team?  I realize this might not be financially feasible.  But if the four players had found an affordable place on their own and moved out.  What would the league/coach think?  (I have no clue.)

 

Dadofa17 posted:
Suds posted:

Here is a great host family horror story for you.  My son was in the West Coast League to start the summer this year.  He and 3 other player ended up with a host family that was VEGAN!  Although they lived in a guest house, the would not let the players have any meat or dairy products in the house.  These are 4 college athletes, of which 3 were over 6'2" 200 lbs.  Needless to say, it was costing me a fortune for him to go out to eat 3 times a day when they were home.  They also would not allow the boys to kill and bugs, insects etc.  They had a crazy list of 30 "house rules" that I would not impose on a prisoner let alone a college kid. Team could not relocate the players, so 1/2 way through the year he left. 

He ended up in Alaska which he absolutely loved.  His house family experience was great,  they fed them well and being in Alaska the boys would literally walk outside, catch a Salmon and the family would cook it up.  They took them on sight seeing tours on their off days and had a car for them to use. 

In a case like this, could the boys have moved out and stayed with the team?  I realize this might not be financially feasible.  But if the four players had found an affordable place on their own and moved out.  What would the league/coach think?  (I have no clue.)

 

They shouldn't have to pay for housing on their own though. That's actually one of the "selling" points the league uses to get players that have options to go to other leagues like Alaska and Northwoods. In the end, 2 just quit playing summer ball and went home and 2, including my son went to another league.

Son's team (Great Lakes League) $300 I think.....host families are provided at no charge.  Most have been with the team for years....and are all very good. Almost all are at EVERY game.  1500-2000 attendance most games.  There is an admission charge, but parents are free.  Team buys meals after games, home and away.    Son lived at home so I'm not sure what else team provides on off days (though there are very few).  He'll be in his 3rd year with the team next summer...and has really enjoyed it. Good mix of kids from D1's all over the country. He's met some great guys over the past couple years.   If you gave him a choice...college or summer ball, I'm fairly certain I know what the choice would be lol.

Suds posted:

Here is a great host family horror story for you.  My son was in the West Coast League to start the summer this year.  He and 3 other player ended up with a host family that was VEGAN!  Although they lived in a guest house, the would not let the players have any meat or dairy products in the house.  These are 4 college athletes, of which 3 were over 6'2" 200 lbs.  Needless to say, it was costing me a fortune for him to go out to eat 3 times a day when they were home.  They also would not allow the boys to kill and bugs, insects etc.  They had a crazy list of 30 "house rules" that I would not impose on a prisoner let alone a college kid. Team could not relocate the players, so 1/2 way through the year he left. 

He ended up in Alaska which he absolutely loved.  His house family experience was great,  they fed them well and being in Alaska the boys would literally walk outside, catch a Salmon and the family would cook it up.  They took them on sight seeing tours on their off days and had a car for them to use. 

Suds, that was hilarious until it got to the point where it was bad enough they left.  Would be curious to hear more about some of the other crazy house rules.

cabbagedad posted:
Suds posted:

Here is a great host family horror story for you.  My son was in the West Coast League to start the summer this year.  He and 3 other player ended up with a host family that was VEGAN!  Although they lived in a guest house, the would not let the players have any meat or dairy products in the house.  These are 4 college athletes, of which 3 were over 6'2" 200 lbs.  Needless to say, it was costing me a fortune for him to go out to eat 3 times a day when they were home.  They also would not allow the boys to kill and bugs, insects etc.  They had a crazy list of 30 "house rules" that I would not impose on a prisoner let alone a college kid. Team could not relocate the players, so 1/2 way through the year he left. 

He ended up in Alaska which he absolutely loved.  His house family experience was great,  they fed them well and being in Alaska the boys would literally walk outside, catch a Salmon and the family would cook it up.  They took them on sight seeing tours on their off days and had a car for them to use. 

Suds, that was hilarious until it got to the point where it was bad enough they left.  Would be curious to hear more about some of the other crazy house rules.

Here you go.  First is the rules, the next 2 are things posted all throughout the house.  These are just 2 examples.  The family later installed cameras in the kitchen to make sure no meat was being cooked.  It really is quite funny.  For my son, it worked out well.  Went to Alaska, pitched on the team that won it all and got to play a significant role down the stretch

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washrinserepeat posted:

Well, yes he did...and I think if your son is the player I'm thinking of, I feel you should share the story from the championship series...

LOL  I am sitting here in my office laughing and people are looking at me like I am nuts.  Yes that is my son.  I will post the story in a little bit.  It really happened that way too! 

Suds posted:
cabbagedad posted:
Suds posted:

Here is a great host family horror story for you.  My son was in the West Coast League to start the summer this year.  He and 3 other player ended up with a host family that was VEGAN!  Although they lived in a guest house, the would not let the players have any meat or dairy products in the house.  These are 4 college athletes, of which 3 were over 6'2" 200 lbs.  Needless to say, it was costing me a fortune for him to go out to eat 3 times a day when they were home.  They also would not allow the boys to kill and bugs, insects etc.  They had a crazy list of 30 "house rules" that I would not impose on a prisoner let alone a college kid. Team could not relocate the players, so 1/2 way through the year he left. 

He ended up in Alaska which he absolutely loved.  His house family experience was great,  they fed them well and being in Alaska the boys would literally walk outside, catch a Salmon and the family would cook it up.  They took them on sight seeing tours on their off days and had a car for them to use. 

Suds, that was hilarious until it got to the point where it was bad enough they left.  Would be curious to hear more about some of the other crazy house rules.

Here you go.  First is the rules, the next 2 are things posted all throughout the house.  These are just 2 examples.  The family later installed cameras in the kitchen to make sure no meat was being cooked.  It really is quite funny.  For my son, it worked out well.  Went to Alaska, pitched on the team that won it all and got to play a significant role down the stretch

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Sooooo, let the cats outside?

Ohhh Suds, that did NOT disappoint!   I'm dying to know at least what town this is near.  PM if you are hesitant to post.  

We run an airbnb here in California and get lots of international guests.  In turn, we hear quite a few stories of their stays elsewhere in the state and this sounds remarkably similar to one particular location.   

washrinserepeat posted:

Well, yes he did...and I think if your son is the player I'm thinking of, I feel you should share the story from the championship series...

Championship game 2.  His team lost game 1 the day before 4-0 putting them down 1-0 in a best of 3 series. Game 2 starts off slow, 0-0 heading into the 3rd.  My son, pitching the tail-end of games, goes into the clubhouse to go to the bathroom in the 3rd.  He hears cheering from the stands and texts me to see what is going on. After he hears loud cheering a second time.  Back to back bases loaded walks, we score 2 runs.  Being a superstitious pitcher, he stays in the clubhouse and his team score another in the 3rd.  3-0 bottom of 3.  He exits the clubhouse to go back to the dugout.  The other team strings together 3 hits and scores 3 themselves.  He sits in the dugout until the 7th and decides maybe it is better luck to be in the clubhouse.

Sure enough, the Miners score a run in the top of the 7th to take a 4-3 lead.  He stays until the inning ends and heads back to the dugout.  He tells someone (I don't remember who), that every inning he has gone to the clubhouse, they score.  The coach hears him says this and says to him "Get back into the clubhouse and watch the game on your phone", so off he goes to the clubhouse.  He ends up calling me via Facetime as I am watching the game on computer so he can watch the game.  Sure enough the explode for a 9 run inning including a grand slam.

Here are his in game tweets.

The broadcast team starts to talk about it at the 3:11 mark.  It is hilarious

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V6VaZrdJXQ

 

 

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Nuke83 posted:
Suds posted:
cabbagedad posted:
Suds posted:

Here is a great host family horror story for you.  My son was in the West Coast League to start the summer this year.  He and 3 other player ended up with a host family that was VEGAN!  Although they lived in a guest house, the would not let the players have any meat or dairy products in the house.  These are 4 college athletes, of which 3 were over 6'2" 200 lbs.  Needless to say, it was costing me a fortune for him to go out to eat 3 times a day when they were home.  They also would not allow the boys to kill and bugs, insects etc.  They had a crazy list of 30 "house rules" that I would not impose on a prisoner let alone a college kid. Team could not relocate the players, so 1/2 way through the year he left. 

He ended up in Alaska which he absolutely loved.  His house family experience was great,  they fed them well and being in Alaska the boys would literally walk outside, catch a Salmon and the family would cook it up.  They took them on sight seeing tours on their off days and had a car for them to use. 

Suds, that was hilarious until it got to the point where it was bad enough they left.  Would be curious to hear more about some of the other crazy house rules.

Here you go.  First is the rules, the next 2 are things posted all throughout the house.  These are just 2 examples.  The family later installed cameras in the kitchen to make sure no meat was being cooked.  It really is quite funny.  For my son, it worked out well.  Went to Alaska, pitched on the team that won it all and got to play a significant role down the stretch

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Sooooo, let the cats outside?

But don't let them eat honey!

We have hosted 3 players every summer for the last 7 years (Valley League). Being a team president, it's kind of hard not to, but we have thoroughly enjoyed it. The First Lady does keep the frig stocked in luncheon meats, cheeses, sports drinks, fruit, etc.,  cereals of all types, and all of these guys eat like horses.  She also keeps a supply of their "favorites", anything from Ho-Ho's to Ding Dongs, to "Pocket Sandwiches", to Eggo's.  Most players have been very enjoyable and several stay in touch. We've also had a couple of introverts that were nice but just rarely came out of their room. We had a Georgetown pitcher who was constantly reading books of all sorts-he probably read 20-30 books during the 2 month season.   Parents need to make their rules clear; we had very few:  put your dirty uniforms in the laundry room when you come in, no tobacco or alcohol,  don't stay out ridiculously late, call us if you are going to be later than normal, stay out of the basement when the First Lady is doing her morning workout  (with Country music blasting), and most importantly, be good to the dog. It is very rewarding, but you are always glad to get your house back in early August.   As a team. we have had very few complaints from players or host families, and tons of compliments-most hosts treat these guys as adopted sons, and lots of players have stayed in touch. 

Last edited by hokieone
Dadofa17 posted:
freddy77 posted:

I hosted last summer.   When the summer was over, I was cleaning the  bedroom and found a plastic water bottle full of tobacco spit on the shelf in the closet, lol.

Thanks you for hosting last summer.  Question: Would you host again?

Yes I would.  A bottle of tobacco spit doesn't faze me.

We had a call once from a host mom that found a bottle with "mysterious black liquid" in it, and thought her player was "on drugs".  We explained to her what it was, that we strongly recommend against tobacco, and don't allow it on our grounds, but it's not illegal. FYI, the Valley League has a rule that if a player is caught on the grounds with tobacco, he is ejected, along with the head coach.    Far too many people in baseball ignore or wink at dipping-a very addictive habit.  A friend on this board told me it's not hard to quit-he's done it 6 times....   

The last two summers our player has lucked into the best of circumstances. There have been others on his summer teams who really had a rough go with their living conditions. I think in general it is great experience for a young man to see how others live, be able to fit in, and adjust to different ways of living. It makes sense to have discussions prior to the season, or right at the beginning to detail expectations and rules. The biggest thing to me was communicating about food - how much are they planning to provide, if he buys his own does it matter where he puts it, if they plan to eat together what time, etc. That and to what extent he needs to let them know where he will be and when he is coming and going. A lot of it is common sense and courtesy. It helps that most families are going to be baseball fans and in general are going to be generous and looking to provide the player with a good experience. 

Last edited by High Change Ups Go A Long Way
GloFisher posted:

I was wondering if anyone had any recent thoughts on living with a host family... either positive or negative experiences.  What to look out for and prepare for...

 

Son lived with a host family as a 17 year old. He/we are still friends with the family. It was one of the best experiences for him. He grew up a lot.  Had to learn to talk to people he didn’t really know, be assertive while being responsible and respectful.  As High Change said, a lot of common sense and common courtesy. All good stuff. Stuff he will need to learn to become an effective employee, husband, father, etc. 

Last edited by RoadRunner
RoadRunner posted:
GloFisher posted:

I was wondering if anyone had any recent thoughts on living with a host family... either positive or negative experiences.  What to look out for and prepare for...

 

Son lived with a host family as a 17 year old. He/we are still friends with the family. It was one of the best experiences for him. He grew up a lot.  Had to learn to talk to people he didn’t really know, be assertive while being responsible and respectful.  As High Change said, a lot of common sense and common courtesy. All good stuff. Stuff he will need to learn to become an effective employee, husband, father, etc. 

RR,

Did your son play summer ball as a rising freshman? Would you mind sharing more about that?

Thanks

 

2022NYC posted:
RoadRunner posted:
GloFisher posted:

I was wondering if anyone had any recent thoughts on living with a host family... either positive or negative experiences.  What to look out for and prepare for...

 

Son lived with a host family as a 17 year old. He/we are still friends with the family. It was one of the best experiences for him. He grew up a lot.  Had to learn to talk to people he didn’t really know, be assertive while being responsible and respectful.  As High Change said, a lot of common sense and common courtesy. All good stuff. Stuff he will need to learn to become an effective employee, husband, father, etc. 

RR,

Did your son play summer ball as a rising freshman? Would you mind sharing more about that?

Thanks

 

He did not. He played for the Midland Redskins organization as a rising senior.  He so wanted to play in a college wood bat league as a rising college freshman.  And I wish he would’ve had that opportunity.  Those opps are hard to come by, from my understanding.  If you get that opportunity, jump on it.  If you need more info about our 17u experience, shoot me a pm.  I don’t wanna hi jack this thread, lol  

 

As you have said, there are good and bads.  Middle son had a horrible experience after freshman year and he is easy going.  They put him in a room with 10 year old and wanted him to babysit for them for free.  There was also a grandaddy that walked around the house every day in his underwear.  They did not provide anything but lodging, no food.  They wanted him to pay and he finally had to go to the housing supervisor and request a change.  He went from that to a family that had a pool house where he could stay.  They came to visit him throughout his college career. 

The next year he had a good experience.  I think you can expect a clean, secure, individual space for them.  Some meals, told up front, and courtesy.  Realize that some organizations are very honest about what the families can expect of the player and some are not.  I always told mine to tell them your schedule each day so they would know and not expect you for lunch or dinner and you not be there.  The tough problem is some kids are used to staying on their own at college and others are used to a rigorous schedule. 

And on the other side, far too many players treat their host family  housing as  a dorm room, leaving clothes scattered all over the place, leaving half-eaten food and half-consumed drinks, etc.   Some of the nicest guys you could ever meet live like absolute pigs.  When your sons go off to summer ball, remind them that somebody is opening their home for 2 months to a total stranger so treat the home and the host family with respect. Just one example: host mom fixes a special dinner, all the foods being favorites of her players, intending a family dinner with the kids and the players. The players load their plates in the kitchen, walk up to their room and close the door. Host mom was speechless.  We have never had any problems because my wife discusses expectations the first day, occasionally checks the rooms, and nips any "misunderstandings" in the bud.  It's all about communication.

Amen HokieOne.   We have never done summer league but we did a minor league player one year.  We gave him a room, and my wife laid out expectations.  Told him she would cook him breakfast in the morning but had to know the night before if he wanted it and when.  Had food  in the refrigerator for him for lunch that he told her he liked.  We laid out our expectations and asked him a lot of questions.  Wife also contacted his mother almost every other day to keep her in the loop. 

He only stayed 3 weeks.  Came up for breakfast one morning and told my wife he was leaving.  He wanted to go home to his girlfriend, he was homesick.  We tried our best to talk him out of it.  He hadn't told his mama.  We gave him money for gas since he did not have enough to get himself home.  Sad.  2 bad outings and a girlfriend cost him his dream. 

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